Oral cancer is cancer that occurs in any part of the mouth: the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheek, or roof or floor of the mouth. It is estimated that 54,540 adults in the United States were diagnosed with oral (or oropharyngeal) cancer in 2023. According to the American Cancer Society, oral and oropharyngeal cancer will claim approximately 12,230 lives in 2024.
The earlier a patient’s cancer is detected, the better their odds of survival become. That’s why All About Teeth provides a comprehensive oral cancer screening alongside every teeth cleaning. It is also why we encourage our patients to visit our dental clinic whenever they experience any of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks:
- Loose teeth
- Mouth or ear pain
- A lump or other growth
- A sore that doesn’t heal
- A white or reddish patch of skin
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
A dentist’s sense of sight and touch are two of their most powerful tools of cancer detection. During the visual portion of an oral cancer screening, the dentist looks for lesions of abnormal skin tissue in the patient’s mouth and throat. They are specifically searching for thick white patches (leukoplakia) and raised red areas (erythroplakia). The dentist then proceeds to palpate (i.e. feel) their patient’s face, jaw and neck in search of bumps, lumps, tenderness, or any other irregularities.
Many dentists also use specialized tools to detect oral cancer. They may apply toluidine dye to a lesion. If the lesion contains abnormal cells, it will absorb the dye and appear blue. A dentist may also shine an oral cancer screening light into their patient’s mouth. The special light makes abnormal tissue appear white.
What Happens If Oral Cancer Is Suspected?
A dentist will not diagnose oral cancer if they detect symptoms during a screening. Once they have shared their findings with their patient, they will refer them to a specialist for testing.
Two tests are typically used to confirm the presence of oral cancer: cytology, and biopsy. Cytology entails collecting a cell sample from the mouth and then scrutinizing it under a microscope for any signs of abnormality. Biopsy requires removing a small portion of the abnormal tissue and then submitting it to a lab for formal analysis.
What Treatments Are Available for Oral Cancer?
Several treatment options are commonly advised for oral cancer. Surgery may be performed to excise the cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or some combination of thereof may be prescribed as well. Chemo drugs commonly administered for oral cancer include cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, docetaxel and hydroxyurea. Although they are prescribed less often, methotrexate and capecitabine may prove effective at combating oral cancer as well.
Don’t Take Any Chances With Oral Cancer
Oral cancer screenings are fast, painless, and a routine part of the teeth cleanings you are advised to schedule every six months. If you are over the age of 20, you should receive an oral cancer screening at least every three years. If you are 40 or older, then you are encouraged to receive annual oral cancer screenings.
Don’t let a treatable illness progress into a fatal one! If you live in the greater Logan, UT area, contact All About Teeth today to schedule a teeth cleaning. Dr. Corey Hogge will provide the oral cancer screening you need to enjoy greater peace of mind – as well as significantly increase your risk of survival, if any signs of cancer are detected.
Recent Comments